EducationQuest Foundation
Coach Drew
College Planning Bulletin
A monthly college planning guide for Nebraska high school students
April 2019
Seniors…It’s decision time!
Here’s how to make your final college decision.
Compare your college acceptance letters, financial aid award notifications, and campus visit notes. List the pros and
cons of each school using the following criteria:
Location – Is the college too close? If you come home every weekend, you won’t experience true campus life. Is the
college too far away? If so, you may not make it home as often as you’d like.
Cost – Can your family afford the school? What can you expect for financial aid beyond your freshman year? Did you
receive renewable scholarships? How much in student and parent loans will you need to borrow to cover expenses?
Academic program – Which college offers the degree program that best fits your career interests? What happens if you
change majors? Does the college offer other degree programs that interest you?
Student life – Does the school offer activities you will enjoy? If you plan to live on campus, do you like the housing ar-
rangements provided by the school? Will you have an opportunity to work on or near campus?
Make your final decision by May 1 and then notify the colleges you’re rejecting so they can offer your spot, and financial
aid, to another student.
Juniors… these questions will help you narrow your college choices
By picking your top colleges now, you’ll be better prepared to apply for financial aid and college admission early next fall.
Start by answering these questions:
What do you want to study?
Explore your career interests and then research colleges that offer programs in areas you may want to pursue. Use col-
lege selection tools like College Profiles at EducationQuest.org.
What kind of school do you want to attend?